Bourne supreme in Lincs Premier Division

The Lincs Premier Division has turned into a tale of Bourne’s supremacy.

The men from the Abbey Lawns started yesterday (July 19) 26 points clear at the top of the table and they ended it 35 points clear after securing a superb six-wicket win at fading champions Sleaford.

The hosts did set unbeaten Bourne a challenging target of 242 in 50 overs, but the visitors eased home with 10 balls to spare.

Stuart Airey was promoted to opener and cracked an unbeaten 98, while skipper Pete Morgan dropped himself down to number four and responded with 71. The pair put on 131 for the third Bourne wicket.

Navel Grazette claimed the vital wicket of former New Zealand Test player Tim McIntosh for 34, but was then forced to visit hospital after suffering a severe asthma attack. Happily he recovered in time to return and be at the crease when victory was completed.

And Bourne’s mood improved further when learning that Bracebridge Heath, who started the day in second place, were washed out at bottom club Market Rasen and that Market Deeping had been crushed by 151 runs at Grimsby.

It was a second successive defeat for Deeping who toiled in the field as Grimsby amassed 255-5 before collapsing with the bat to 104 all-out. Only 15 year-old fast bowler Patrick Brown (3-76) emerged with much credit.